The finest hunting safaris for the discerning hunter 2015

The finest hunting safaris for the discerning hunter 2015
“In 1895 my grandfather Emmanuel Mantheakis left the Greek Island of Crete
to come to Tanzania, what was then called German East Africa.. My maternal
grandfather, John Kazamias, arrived in 1905. Both my grandfathers and my
father were passionate hunters, making me the third generation hunter. A legacy
I take pride in and a passion I share with my children...”
Michel Mantheakis
kis, 1904
Emmanuel M anthea
John Kazamias, early 1900’s
is,
itri M antheak
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“Nearly 25 years have passed since I first hunted with Michel
Mantheakis. Back then, when we were both a lot younger, I recognized
him as one of the best professional hunters I had ever known. The passing
years and subsequent safaris have only strengthened that conviction! I have
watched him mature into not only a fine outfitter and consummate PH,
but also a leader in the Tanzanian safari community, always at the forefront
in promoting ethical sport hunting and wildlife conservation.
On recent safaris his camp staff have consistently been the best I have ever
seen, he takes good care of them, and they take good care of Michel and
his clients. His camps are well-run and extremely comfortable, far above
standards, and his camp fare is second to none. After nearly three decades
in the business Michel still loves it...he remains full of enthusiasm for the
hunt, and works as hard as any professional hunter I have ever known to
please his clients and ensure the success of the hunt.”
Craig boddington
dington
Ron Bird, Michel Mantheakis and Craig Bod
in “Boddington on Lion”, filmed in 2010
Boddington, 19
98
Company Profile
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.” Aristotle
Michel Mantheakis Safaris Ltd (MMS), is a family owned company established in
2010 and operated by my wife Nicole and myself. .
After my disengagement from the hectic day-to-day running of the hunting
company I founded, co-owned and operated for 17 years, Miombo Safaris and
it’s sister company Kilombero North Safaris, I found peace of mind and 3 years to
reflect and analyze the successes and failures from the past 20 years of outfitting
in Tanzania. This put us in a unique position and gave us ample time to focus and
channel all our efforts and experience into creating a top-quality trophy hunting
company. One with a strong conservation conscience, offering personalized
services on an even higher level than what we ever achieved before.
In order to present our clients with the best possible trophy opportunities
and maximum luxury safari experience, we applied our signature approach of
maximum anti-poaching effort. By opening lots of new roads, combined with
conducting a minimum number of safaris, we ensure optimum results for our
clients. Not only do these strategies improve the wildlife population and its
habitat in our concessions, but also it improves the quality of the trophy hunting.
In just 2 years of dedicated full-time anti-poaching in our 2 concessions, the
positive results are already evident and very pleasing.
The combination of applying my academic background in Zoology and Wildlife
Science with a passion for hunting, dedication in conservation, 29-years of
reputable hunting experience in Tanzania, determined anti-poaching and
efficient administration, has quickly established us in the forefront of the Tanzania
hunting industry.
By promoting ethical and sustainable hunting together with conservation and
Community benefits, we attract the more discerning hunters. Those who care
about conservation and prefer to hunt with an outfitter who not only works
tirelessly to get great trophies, but who also truly believes in and practices
conservation rather than just claiming to.
Anybody can offer you a trophy hunt, but only a few will offer you a great trophy
hunt. One that gives you that memorable safari experience and heart warming
satisfaction of knowing you spent your money wisely, while at the same time
investing in the future survival of the wildlife and the sport you so cherish:
hunting.
Our first season in 2013 was great. Our second season in 2014 was even better.
And 2015 looks even more promising.
A warm hearted welcome awaits you to the Africa of your dreams...
Michel Mantheakis
The best of our first season; 2013
camp
Destruction of yet another poachers
The last poached Elephant we found. December
2013, Lukwati
Confiscated
poac her’s gu
n
All that’s necessary for the forces of evil to win in
the world is for enough good men to do nothing.
Edmund Burke
Our specialised an
ti-poaching vehicl
es
One of our 2
Lake Rukwa, Lukanwti-poaching boats
ati
Conservation and anti-poaching
Poac hed Bu
poacher’s gunffalano d-bowe managed to capture the
at.
“Every person has the duty to protect the
natural resources of the United Republic...”
Article 27 of The Constitution of the
United Republic of Tanzania
For us, trophy hunting and conservation is one thing. As custodians of our natural inheritance, what
gives us the right to hunt is the continuous commitment and determination to protect and conserve
the wildlife and its habitat. We should never disregard this moral obligation.
Few hunting companies in Tanzania can match the successful anti-poaching track record and wildlife
population recovery achieved in the concessions that Michel Mantheakis currently manages or those
he managed in the past. It is not a matter of just spending money in anti-poaching, but rather one
of truly caring and being motivated in conducting it in an
intelligent and determined manner.
We are responsiblone to
the next generati
We started our full-time anti-poaching efforts in December
2012. In 2 years, our achievements are phenomenal and the
Wildlife is making a very strong recovery. With the introduction
of our 2 boats on Lake Rukwa in Lukwati and creating an
additional anti-poaching team to deal with the poachers
coming from across the Lake, we have brought poaching from
previously threatening levels to negligible.
One can spend a lot of money in unmotivated anti-poaching
and achieve very little. It takes dedication, enthusiasm for the
task and taking pride and reward in the achievement, that
create the best results, and we are very proud of our results!
If we care enough, they will thrive. Never hunt a
pride male; this
“Suzi” pride was 4 Lionesses in 19 97 and increase
d to 19 by 2010.
tons of fish...
2
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h
t
i
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gh
u
Fish poachers ca
Corporate Social Responsibility
Community development is not just a Government requirement for outfitters in Tanzania; it is an important
conservation strategy and our corporate social responsibility. By sharing the benefits of hunting, we
discourage those less privileged who live adjacent to or within the hunting concessions, from otherwise
turning to poaching as a means of survival.
In order for us to protect our wildlife, we have to address the poverty that compels the local communities
towards poaching. Only by taking our corporate social responsibility seriously do we stand a chance to curb
the prevailing path of wanton destruction spreading and destroying previously great hunting concessions.
Every year we are contributing proceeds towards meaningful projects that serve the entire community,
such as health, education and clean water. Our hope is to create the necessary awareness within the local
community that wildlife is a precious natural resource that needs continuous protection for their own longterm benefit.
When you hunt with us, you will enjoy the satisfaction in knowing that you are truly contributing to the
betterment of lives of those less privileged: the key stakeholders, and our partners in wildlife and habitat
conservation.
Together, we are the guardians who do preserve hunting for generations yet to come.
A small body of determined spirits
fired by an unquenchable faith in their
mission can alter the course of history.
Mohandas Gandhi
M eeting with local
a humanitarian
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av
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ar
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ke Natron th
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Severe drought hit dLa10,000 liters of clean water to the lo
crisis, we supplie a 2 months period.
communities over
communities
Testimonials
When one dreams of an East African Safari they often
envision Tanzania as described by Hemmingway and Ruark.
I was no exception to this, as I had never been to Tanzania.
What I found during my East African Safari with Michel
Mantheakis was far beyond anything the great adventurers
and writers before me attempted to detail on paper, as the
splendor and beauty I experienced was of such magnitude
that words can do no justice. It is almost impossible to
describe the emotions that run wild as you hunt Fringe
Eared Oryx at the base of Ol’donyo Lengai in Masailand,
East African Eland at Fly Camp and huge Cape Buffalo in
Lukwati South Game Reserve. None of this would have
been possible without the immensely talented professional
hunters, trackers and camp staff provided by Michel
Mantheakis Safaris.
John Blocker III
Texas
Booking a 28-day African Safari with your only
son and both of our wives was not entered into
lightly… Where, how and with whom were
paramount. After choosing Tanzania, researching
the available outfitters and then going to DSC, the
final decision was easier. Michel Mantheakis and
his entire team did not disappoint; the camps, the
food, the PH’s were all first class and the hunting in
those huge concessions was outstanding.
Thank you so much for our wonderful Safari. I have hunted most
all over Africa, so I can write with great confidence your areas
and camps are outstanding. Lake Natron is a very special place,
and you did a fantastic job for us. Your sensitive care for
Terry’s birding, as well as my hunting needs could not have been
finer. You have our highest endorsement.
Larry Bucher
California
Hunting with Michel Mantheakis
means the following: Great hunting
territory, great food, great company
and entertainment, great facilities and
equipment and most of all, great fun!!
I will definitely be returning to hunt
with this Professional Hunter and
outfitter!
I just wanted to compliment you on our
recent safari. Both camps in your Lake Natron
concession are well located and the scenery,
while quite different in each, is outstanding. I
have seen quite a lot of game in our previous
trips to Tanzania, but never the quantity of
Zebras, Grants Gazelle, Thompson’s Gazelle,
etc. that I saw on the drive between the two
camps. The food was outstanding and the
hospitality was excellent in general. The PH’s,
trackers, skinners, cooks, waiters, etc were all
courteous and seemed to have great attitudes.
JIm Shockey
Canada
Bill Brewster
Oklahoma
The best hunting in Africa can only be with a PH who knows and loves it all and thoroughly
- a great hunter, with experience and understanding, with respect of land and animals and
history, and with the strongest conservation ethic - and one with the skill and diligence to
organize all of the many parts that go into making a great safari. Hunting with Michel is
always a wonderful experience.
John Blocker jr
Texas
Simon Roosevelt
New York
We returned for our third Safari with MMS and, as
Michel once again!
In all my years as a hunter, the best experience has been with Michel Mantheakis.
He has been very helpful, has a great quality service, the camp and equipment
are in excellent conditions, his team has professional hunters with the best
organization. Being as far away from civilization make us feel safe and
fulfilling 100% agreed to a happy return.
David & Crystal Watts
TEXAS
Mauricio Zabala
Mexico
always, all of our high expectations were met. We
arrived to open arms from our Lukwati family and left
with another set of memories of a lifetime. Thank you
Camps
Founded on our proud history of running luxurious camps with an unrivaled personal service
and the finest cuisine, we took it yet a step further.
Whether that be succulent game, meat or seafood, all our delicious meals are complemented
by fresh vegetables, a fine selection of wines, a variety of spirits and ice cold, thirst-quenching
beverages. Whilst you reminisce around the campfire, our cooks will be putting the final
touches to yet another superb meal. Meals will be served in our comfortable, romantic dining
area, though often dinner will be served under the enchanting star-filled African sky.
Your extra large, luxurious and well-ventilated insect proof tent, designed by us for your
utmost comfort, is positioned to provide you both privacy and a scenic view. Elegantly
furnished to evoke the ambiance and the romance of the East Africa of bygone days, your tent
has a large en-suite bathroom with both hot and cold running water, bathtub, shower and
flush toilet. Your home away from home...
In order to enhance your hunting opportunities and safari experience, freshly prepared picnic
lunches will be served to you in the shade of the great African savannah.
With your wellbeing and luxury in mind, all our camp amenities consist of 24-hour electricity,
powered by large solar panels and battery bank. We have inverters with the possibility to
charge cameras, batteries, laptops and telephones in the mess as well as in your tent. A backup generator, deep freezers and fridges, HF and VHF 2-way radio communication systems,
satellite phones and comprehensive first-aid kits further contribute to enhance your stay with
us. Solar powered lamps combined with the classical hurricane lanterns provide lighting all
around the camp and in your tent. Daily laundry service is available throughout your stay.
“I have the simplest of tastes. I am always
satisfied with the best.” Oscar Wilde
Lake Natron West Game Controlled Area
This concession far exceeded our expectations and it indeed proved to be one
of Tanzania’s greatest hunting areas. The combination of an excellent hunt for a
wide diversity of Masai species, set in a stunning landscape, makes this hunting
concession an absolute gem.
The Concession starts at the top of the Great Rift Valley on the borders of the
Ngorongoro Crater Conservation area and forest highlands, then dramatically
drops on the Rift valley into the spectacular open plains, dotted with plains
game and dominated by the towering “O’ldonyo Lengai” (the legendary Masai
“Mountain of God”). This still active volcano stands next to “Kiserian”, which is
another striking volcano. From there, the concession descends over undulating
plains and small craters to the acacia woodlands and the barren shores of Lake
Natron, a soda lake teeming with flamingoes. It then runs along the western
shores all the way to the Kenyan border. This concession is so awesome it’s a
real bonus for a non-hunting participant as well.
nting vehicles
One of our hu
View from our camp
From the magnificent waterfalls and dramatic rift valley escarpments, the
volcanoes and thick mountain forests, to the spectacular viewing points from
which to see the endless undulating volcanic plains, barren soda flats and the
lake filled with pink Flamingos. Here you can hunt enormous Leopards, Fringeeared Oryx, Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk, Grant’s Gazelle, Robert’s Gazelle, Thompson’s
Gazelles, Buffalo, Chandlers’ Mountain Reedbuck, Bohor Reedbuck, Paterson’s
Eland, East African Impala, Kirks Dik Dik, Cokes Hartebeest, Klipspringer and
Steinbuck. Our concession even has fossilized prehistoric humanoid and animal
tracks in rock near the lake; a must see for every visitor.
There are also great bird shooting opportunities to complement any trophyhunting safaris.
For those who are fit and wanting to revive the magnificent safari experience of
a bygone era, then explore this awe-inspiring countryside the way John Hunter
and Karamojo Bell did: on foot.
Sundowners on scenic
hill
Imagine you are hunting on foot in dramatic breath taking scenery, while a
caravan of Donkeys loaded with your light camping equipment, water and
your trophies, follows your hunting party at a respectable distance of a few
kilometers, escorted by our professional camp staff and Masai warriors. In order
to reach new hunting grounds that have not yet been picked over, your camp
will change location every day or two.
Tarangire National Parks in the near vicinity, Lake Natron South West Game
Control Area offers you a great opportunity to combine top quality game
viewing with your big game hunting safari.
This undeniably is the ideal hunting and holiday destination you would want to
share with your friends and family.
Combining great trophy hunting with the romance and adventure of foot
safaris is an unforgettable experience and will make you yearn to repeat the
safari. Our first foot safaris proved to be just that: unforgettable.
Being in close proximity to Arusha allows for an inexpensive, beautiful 3 to 4
hour transfer by car to camp. Last, but certainly not least; with the best game
viewing parks in Africa, namely Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Lake Manyara and
re 80%
Lake Natron, whe
ingo
of the Lesser Fla m a
Afric
population in Eastis born
A great experience,
Fossilized Eland tr
ack,
120,000 year old
safaris on foot
Amazing night sky in
ca mp
2014 Season
2014 Season
2014 Season
Lukwati South Game Reserve
Lukwati South Game Reserve is one of the best-preserved and most productive
hunting concessions in Western Tanzania. Protected by its remoteness
from civilization, Lukwati offers you what hunting in Africa is all about: it is
unspoiled, untamed and unpredictable.
The game available in Lukwati is Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Elephant, Sable, Kudu,
Roan, Eland, Hippo, Crocodile, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, Defassa Waterbuck,
Zebra, Southern Reedbuck, Warthog, Oribi, Bush pig, Common Duiker, Impala,
Hyena, and Jackal.
From the North Eastern shores of Lake Rukwa it climbs eastwards over the
escarpment into the vast Miombo woodlands and is renowned for its excellent
success-rate on heavy-maned Lions, big Buffalo, Sable and plentiful Leopard.
Lukwati has a healthy combination of terrain and diversity of habitat including
the lake, marshes, woodlands, rivers, open plains, rocky outcrops, mountains,
belts of thicket and numerous rivers and springs.
Lukwati is accessible by air charter from Dar es Salaam or Arusha to the airstrip
half a kilometer from camp or by scheduled flight to Mbeya followed by an
estimated 6 to 8 hour scenic drive to camp depending on road conditions.
Picnic lunc h, and ....
...siesta in style...
Lukwati South Game Reserve is a not only a superb Lion and big game hunting
area, it truly is the choice for the discerning hunter.
More Lukwati Buffalo.
Cooling off in the Wuku
river
Lion tracks on road.
Resting and eating Baobab
fru
it after a long walk...
Pride male w
ith
cubs; we nev
er hunt those
a
Sunset over Lake Rukw
.
2014 Season
2014 Season
In 2013 we purchased 3 brand-new
Toyota Land Cruisers and specially
modified them for optimum off road
performance. This includes roll cages,
hunter and tracker seats, double tyre
rack, bull bars, undercarriage protection,
car-fridge/freezer, electric winch, HF
and VHF radio communication systems,
satellite phone and hand-held VHF
radios to ensure efficient communication
between hunting parties, vehicles,
camps and office. All vehicles are also
equipped with a first-aid emergency kit.
Road
Railway
Lake / Ocean
Game Reserve
Proposed Game Reserve
Conservation Area
National Park
Forest Reserve
Our Hunting Blocks
Our Professional Hunters Terms and conditions
Michel Mantheakis
Managing Director
Professional Hunter
Lupo Santasilla
Professional Hunter
Nigel Archer
Professional Hunter
Wayne Stanton
Professional Hunter
Martin Hopley
Professional Hunter
Facebook Thumbs Up
CMYK / .eps
Text © Michel and Nicole Mantheakis
Art by Sue Stolberger www.suestolberger.com - Sue prefers to paint
from life and has lived under canvas in Tanzania for more than 25 years.
Design www.whalerockstudio.com
Front cover photo courtesy of Chris Hudson
Terms of Business
•
A 15% administration fee will be deducted with any
cancellations occurring prior to 60 days of the start of the
safari. The deposit paid will be re-funded only if the safari is
re-sold.
•
Force Majeure, (meaning acts of God, explosion, floods,
tempest, fire or accident, war, threat of war, sabotage,
insurrection, civil disturbance, government intervention,
weather conditions or other untoward occurrences). Any
Government decision taken in regards to Michel Mantheakis
Safaris Ltd is considered Force Majeure in this context. In
the event of Force Majeure, the company is entitled to vary
or cancel any itinerary or arrangement. Refunds in this case
are solely to the discretion of the company, although all
endeavors shall be made to refund where possible.
•
A deposit of 50% of the safari rate is required to confirm your
booking. Full payment for your safari, together with a deposit
towards the Trophy Fees, must be received 60 days prior to
the start date.
•
Trophies will only be shipped after full trophy payment has
been received.
•
Trophy Fees are applicable to ALL Game shot, including those
wounded and lost.
• Upon the end of your safari, the final invoice, reflecting
all additional charges or refunds will be handed to you or
will be send to you by email as soon as possible.
•
All payments are payable in cash or by wire transfer. Personal
checks will not be accepted without prior arrangement.
Tanzanian Licensing regulations and
restrictions
•
The hunting season in Tanzania starts July 1 and ends March
31 of the following year.
•
No animal is to be shot, nor to be chased or driven by a
vehicle.
•
No hunting of female, young or immature animals is allowed.
•
Hunting is only to be conducted in the daylight hours.
•
The Tanzanian Wildlife Department strictly allows the
following game to be hunted only on a 21-day license:
•
•
•
•
•
Elephant; Lion; Leopard: Oryx; Greater Kudu; Lesser Kudu;
Sitatunga; Eland; Gerenuk; Sable; Ostrich; Klipspringer;
Hippopotamus; Roan and Porcupine.
The minimum legal length for Leopard is 1.30 meters (51.2
inches) from tip of nose to base of tail.
The minimum legal size for Elephant is 150 cm length (59
inches) of tusk or 15 kgs weight (33 pounds).
The minimum legal age for Lion is 6 years old.
Minimum caliber for dangerous game is .375” (9.3mm).
Hunting with handgun, automatic and semi-automatic
weapons is strictly forbidden.
3 Rifles and 1 shotgun per hunter and 100 rounds per rifle are
allowed to be imported.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you obtain the following types of
insurance:
•
Medical
•
Loss of personal effects
•
Emergency Evacuation
•
Accidental Death and Disability
•
Trip Cancellation
Please make sure your policies are up to date and you are fully
insured before you travel.
Liability
It is important to understand that hunting is a sport that involves
inherent risks; big game hunting can be dangerous. Although
every possible care is taken to safeguard you and your property,
Michel Mantheakis Safaris Ltd accepts no responsibility for any
accidents, injury, illness or fatality nor loss or damage of client’s
property incurred during or arising while on safari. The company
accepts no responsibility for any changes in Government fees
or policies. We will however, endeavor to notify you as soon as
possible, should this occur. No guarantees are made for any
animal not obtained during the hunt as our PH’s adhere to the
principals pertaining to Fair Chase and ethical hunting and
regulations as stipulated in the Wildlife Conservation Act of
Tanzania.
Member of SCI, Dallas Safari Club, APHA, TPHA,
TAHOA and
The owner of this company is
a proud member of the CIC
PO BOX 354 Dar es Salaam Tanzania
+255 (0)655 336 559 +255 (0)713 334 770
[email protected] www.mm-safaris.com
120,000 year old human footprints on the shores of Lake Natron